Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vial'

English Word: vial

Key Russian Translations:

• флакон [flɐˈkon] - [Formal, used for small containers like perfume or lab bottles]
• ампула [ɐmˈpʊlə] - [Formal, medical context, such as for injectable liquids]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic nouns)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and context-specific vocabulary; for "флакон", it's straightforward, but "ампула" may vary slightly in medical jargon)

Pronunciation (Russian):

флакон: [flɐˈkon]

Note on флакон: The stress is on the second syllable; common mispronunciation by English speakers involves softening the 'л' sound, which should be a clear [l].

Audio: []

ампула: [ɐmˈpʊlə]

Note on ампула: The 'у' is pronounced as a short [ʊ], similar to "book" in English; variations may occur in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A small glass or plastic container used for holding liquids, especially in laboratories or for medications.

Translation(s) & Context:

• флакон - Used in general contexts for non-medical small bottles, such as in cosmetics or chemistry. Context: Formal scientific or everyday descriptions.
• ампула - Specifically for sealed containers in medical settings. Context: Professional or clinical environments, often implying sterility.

Usage Examples:

• В лаборатории хранят химикаты в маленьком флаконе.

  In the laboratory, chemicals are stored in a small vial.

• Она купила новый флакон духов для вечеринки.

  She bought a new vial of perfume for the party.

• Ампула с вакциной была аккуратно вскрыта медсестрой.

  The vial of vaccine was carefully opened by the nurse.

• Флаконы в аптеке используются для хранения лекарств.

  Vials in the pharmacy are used for storing medications.

• Врачи предпочитают ампулы для инъекций из-за их герметичности.

  Doctors prefer vials for injections due to their airtight seal.

Meaning 2: Figurative or metaphorical use, e.g., a small amount of something precious or contained.

Translation(s) & Context:

• флакон - In poetic or metaphorical contexts, implying something small and valuable. Context: Literary or informal expressions.

Usage Examples:

• Его слова были как флакон с эликсиром надежды.

  His words were like a vial of hope's elixir.

• Этот флакон воспоминаний хранится в её сердце.

  This vial of memories is stored in her heart.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "флакон" (a masculine noun), it follows the standard second declension pattern with regular changes for cases and numbers. "Ампула" is a feminine noun with its own declension.

For "ампула" (feminine):

Both words are invariable in terms of gender and do not have irregular forms in standard Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бутылочка (small bottle, more general; often used interchangeably with флакон in casual speech)
  • склянка (flask or vial, with a slightly archaic connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • канистра (canister, implying a larger container)
  • бочка (barrel, for very large containers)

Related Phrases:

• Хранить в флаконе (Store in a vial) - Refers to keeping substances in a sealed container for preservation.
• Разбить ампулу (Break the vial) - Used in medical contexts to mean opening or administering a dose.
• Флакон с эфирным маслом (Vial of essential oil) - Common in beauty or aromatherapy discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Vial" translates most accurately to "флакон" in non-medical contexts and "ампула" in medical ones. Choose "флакон" for everyday or scientific scenarios to avoid confusion, as it is more versatile. Be mindful of declensions when using in sentences; for example, in genitive case, say "флакона" to indicate possession. In formal writing, "ампула" is preferred for pharmaceuticals due to its specific connotations of sterility and precision.

• Grammar note: Both nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs.
• Context tip: In Russian, these words often appear in lists or inventories, so familiarity with plural forms is essential.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "флакон" and "ампула", using "флакон" in medical contexts where "ампула" is more appropriate. For example:

• Error: "Врачи используют флакон для инъекции." (Incorrect because it implies a non-medical bottle.)
• Correct: "Врачи используют ампулу для инъекции." (This specifies a medical vial.)
• Explanation: The distinction prevents misunderstandings in professional settings; always consider the context to select the right term.
• Another common error is forgetting declensions, e.g., saying "в флакон" instead of "в флаконе" in prepositional case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ампула" often evokes images of Soviet-era medicine, symbolizing scientific advancement and state-provided healthcare. "Флакон" is more neutral but can appear in literature, like in descriptions of alchemical potions in Russian folktales, reflecting a historical fascination with containment and transformation.

Related Concepts:

• пробирка (test tube)
• флакончик (small vial or bottle)
• шприц (syringe)